Iran: First stop for establishing democracy in the Middle East

In recent weeks, many European and American officials have acknowledged that the road to a Middle East free passes through Tehran. In other words, the only way to see the peace and freedom will prevail in the Middle East and especially in Iraq, is to see a democratic Government, taking power in Iran.

Although the Iranian people have been saying this for the last 3 years still pretty much ignored by Westerners, but reaching this conclusion is in itself a sign of reaching a new and deep understanding of the region by Western leaders.

Before the war in Iraq, Americans believed that some could how to get along with the Iranians as the largest in that country neighbour. Without a doubt, the United States, through diplomatic channels, officially requested the Iranians not to interfere in the war and for the duration of the operations and they actually get to keep them out. Then it turned out that the Americans actually had met with the Iranians a few times in Europe to discuss the matter.

In exchange for not interfering in the war, Iran asked the allies to bomb and annihilate your enemy for a long time, levels of Mujahedin of peoples of Iran (PMOI) which was based on Iraq. PMOI is recognized as the largest and most organized Iranian dissident movement that exists outside the country and has vowed to overthrow the mullahs in Tehran. Just before the war the PMOI said non-partisan war however its bases were bombed and many of its members were killed.

Shortly thereafter, WIPO and the American command in Iraq reached a peace agreement by the PMOI in the protection of US forces in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

After the war, Iran, finding himself under increasing international pressure due to its suspicious nuclear activities and the dreaded of human rights records, became aware of the danger of being surrounded by the Americans in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In addition, a central Iraq power vacuum blinked the opportunity to make a wish for a long time by Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, and their followers to pursue the dream of an Islamic Empire, through Iraq to reach the holly land in Israel.

Announcing the plan for a Middle East free and open by President Bush and other world leaders, it was clear to the Iranian theocracy planned future does not include their ideologies backwards. To survive however, Iranians found their remedies in pushing ahead full force, making sure that Iraq will become "another Viet Nam" for Americans.

Interference in Iraq was through different means. The Group of Bader was based on Iran who had been training for a day so many years was now in Iraq taking key rules in the security forces Government and its newly formed. Using forces Bader and other groups in Iraq, the mules were able to create a field of battle against the Americans do not think the unthinkable.

Also cheating absolute in the elections of the Mullahs managed to seize most of the seats in the new Parliament and if it were not for the millions of Iraqis to Iraq taking the streets chanting "Iran, exit," would have been able to actually installing a Government puppet in that country.

Shortly after cheating Iran in Iraq elections and his bloody hand in the daily scenes of Iraq bombing were exposed, and after mounting international pressures, the Iranians began gradually losing control over the situation and began to see cornered by the international community.

In order to learn from the past and not make the same mistakes twice that we must remember that while there is the Iranian regime in the Middle East, it will be in the way of formation of democracy in the region as we currently see in the regeion.

The geopolitics of the region dictates that democratic defenders of Iraq being tested in practice first hand and he says, "the road to democracy in the region, undoubtedly passes through Tehran". We will only see peace and democracy in Iraq when there is a democratic Government, Pacific, newly established in Iran.

Nima Sharif is a political writer and human rights, and publisher of the website: http://www.stopfundamentalism.com

On the democracy and liberalism

Many people suggest that as democracy spreads around the world, we will see the emergence of liberal societies. The popular media and the White House this assertion when suggesting that you as democracy spreads throughout the Muslim world, the peaceful and liberal governments will be rather than warring and oppressive tyrants.

To be honest, I have all I believed until recently. But as they say, hindsight is 20/20, and therefore a confluence of recent events has allowed me to see why this is not the case. In addition, he would like to take the opportunity to make the distinction between democracy and liberalism.

Event 1) two semesters ago, took an excellent course entitled the East today, whose approach was Islam. I've learned that "the door of ijtihad was closed" (Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph.d., President, Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.) occasional around the 14th century. Ijtihad is, in the words of Dr. Syed, clear "individual intellectual effort" used to "articulation and interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law)". As scholarship in the worlds Muslim predominantly meant the study of the Shariah, closing ijtihad basically means an end to critical thinking.

(Caricatures of Muhammad event 2) published in a Danish newspaper raise controversy in the months of Muslim world after its initial publication. I realized that the Middle East Muslims rioted, while Western protested. Note the nuance between they rioted in trashed and burned things and he protested peacefully as in expressed their discontent.

Event 3) elections in Iraq, the Palestinian Authority and Egypt have shown powerful support to Islamists. Religious groups have won majorities in the first two, while the majority of the candidates of the Muslim Brotherhood were elected in Egypt (is not enough to form a Government, so not run candidates throughout the world).

At these events, I drew the following conclusions.

Firstly and most importantly, the Muslims in the Middle East has no liberal values; their values are primarily religious. Whereas liberalism advocates the separation of Church and State (Mosque and State as it were), Muslims in the Middle East are looking to draw up laws and constitutions based on Sharia. As Paul Martin said, vote for people based on their values. In the West we are so ingrained in the liberal tradition, we inherently associate liberalism with democracy. However, democracy means voting for people that reflect your values, and if the values are not liberal, not to have a liberal democracy.

Secondly, liberalism to which Muslims are exposed here, mainly in the form of freedom of expression and freedom of the press (i.e. a door open to interpretation), has rubbed. In a Hamas school, losing a debate (do issue: who is wore: pigs, rats or Americans?) could mean losing the head, literally (assuming that they have debates). In the West, losing a debate means learn from their mistakes and improve their critical thinking. This exposure to liberal values explains why the reaction to cartoons in North America was writing letters instead of flag burning.

Adolph Hitler was democratically elected. If we want to promote liberalism in the Muslim world, promoting literacy (as suggested by Dr. Syed), freedom of expression and exposure to different philosophies is probably the best way to do it. Democracy is not synonymous with liberalism.

L Center writes about Canadian politics, economics and Foreign Affairs in Centrerion Canadian politics.

Musharaff Survival Democracy and Effects in South East Asia Part-1

My dear friends and readers august, I am once again with you to share my views and debate an on going current issue of Democracy and Emergency in Pakistan (DEP) and its short and long term effects. I hope my readers would also share their views and understand the implications and revulsions of democratic leaders in all the countries of the world.

First of all let me assure you that President General Parvez Musharaff (PGPM) is himself not happy with the death of over 133 innocent civilians, who have become the victims of ravaging fire which has its origin in Pakistan herself. My readers would agree with me that Pakistan has been a rogue State, which the fundamentalists have exploited to export not only fundamentalism but also terrorism opportunist. As United State of America was instrumental in the birth and recognition of Osama bin Laden (OBL) in Afghanistan as terrorist leader, the US was also responsible for his uprooting when the fire which uses supported to ravage Russia enter the USA through backdoors.

Who knew that the same SHS, front man of used against erstwhile Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) incursion in Afghanistan would extend his reach to strike in their homes on USA's soil?

The US Policy makers have never even dreamt that the long arms of terrorism one of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) which is monitoring and organizing world over would reach and knock down USA's most prestigious heritage. My dears would share their views that Citizen of USA, India, Britain, Israel and Germany are always on the hit list of international terrorist.

ACE USA made OBL, the Pakistan has another terrorist born of International status Mr Daud Ibrahim (MDI). Whether I is a terrorist criminal or time would tell but I still feel strongly that I have has been blamed more than what he is actually? The Pakistan Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) has used MDI India against. The amount of innocent people's blood which have flown on Indian soil due terrorist's action has no parallel in the modern world History.

With the above background, I feel that Emergency in Pakistan (EIP) is the requirement of the time. It is good or bad can be debated by the readers, but I feel even the Movement for Restoration of Democracy in Pakistan (MRDIP) need to be supported with pros and cons The silent support of USA's administration to PGPM is with a definite purpose.

I hope, my readers would share my view that the PID is the need of the hour for the people of Pakistan because:

Firstly, until, unless the administrator has the powers to check fundamentalism, I can not control such movements. I feel that these Politics Oriented Religious Movements (PORM) are the root cause of birth of terrorism especially Islam. Pakistan being an Islamic State under an able administrator would be able to keep a check.

Secondly, it is only PGPM who have really faced the burnt of PORM a few months earlier when he was forced to order Pakistan Army to flush out large number of national and international terrorists in Lal Masjid (Red Mosque). If the Government of Pakistan (GOP) would have not undertaken such steps, the spread of terrorism would have been continued relentlessly. Though PGPM has become a target of terrorists in his own country, but I have to fighter would continue to serve his nation.

Thirdly, India would be the biggest looser of PGPM being in chair. What I perceive and predict that PGPM would be able to impose severe checks on fundamentalists who believe in violence and not talks. GOP's any action against fundamentalists would only increase problems for her immediate neighbor India. It is observed in the past as well that, as and when, GOP had exerted pressure on obtain, they either migrated to Afghanistan in safe heaven or infiltrated into India to create unrest. I feel that moving into Afghanistan would not be possible due to presence of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nation's forces. The other option is infiltrating into India. The Government of India (GOI) has to:-

1 Seal their international border with Pakistan;

2 Increase vigilance on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir;

3 Increase forces on the border to prevent infiltration;

4 Attempt to prevent fundamentalists through dialogue and talks; and

5 Follow diplomatic means.

Fourthly; EIP would assist PGPM to close all the factories and Madarssas which are producing numerous fundamentalists cum terrorists. It is the only time when GOP can't act strongly against such people who are trying vitiating peaceful environment. Closing of obtain's schools and Madarssas would also reduce spread of fundamentalism not only within Pakistan but also in Asia.

Fifthly GOP under PGPM can't inflicted sever blow to fundamentalists by choking their life line of funds. If obtain's funding is controlled than I feel that most of the PORM would die their natural death.

Sixthly, I strongly feel that PGPM himself an ardent and staunch follower of Islam understand obtain's style of functioning and means of destruction, therefore, his embedding in as President would help every one.

On the contrary, either Ms Bhutto or Mr Nawaz becomes the head of State; the situation would not be like what it would be under PGPM. The functioning style of political leaders is Appease and Listen to Kick All (ALKA). These politicians are people representatives but they become (SADA) Self Anchored Democratic Autocrat. It is observed that Muslim fundamentalists have always exploited religion to gain power or create unrest, therefore, the PGPM is the best to tame them all.

I also feel that PGPM being at harness the direct benefits which I perceive are:-

A check on export of fundamentalists;

B. Check on export of terrorism;

C. Check on funding sources of fundamentalists

D. Assist NATO and USA in containing terrorism with Afghanistan;

E. Helps India to fight cross border terrorism;

(F) internal control situation within Pakistan with ease;

G. Assists Afghanistan in checking foreign terrorist activities along her Northern borders;

H. Destroy obtain strong hold with in country;

(J) reduce international terrorism due to severe checks at home; and

(K) Prevent routing of terrorists from Pakistan like routing of Opium from Golden triangle;

My dear readers, your views are solicited but if democracy has to succeed in Pakistan, fundamentalism and terrorism than has to go. The new Weapon of Manual Bombing (WOMB) followed by Suicide Attackers (SA) or the Man of Individual Mission (MIM) is threatening every peace loving individual. The theory of SA which has been originated by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka, has gained momentum in Pakistan after Army operation against Lal Masjid. The death of over 133 innocent people during Ms Bhutto's rally in Pakistan and seven peoples in serial blasts in India is an example of obtain psychic.

If people of Pakistan want peace and true democracy, then there is a need to adopt to positive and constructive media approach to support the PID. The democracy in Pakistan would emerge even stronger after general elections.

The democracy in Pakistan has a direct relationship with International Terrorism and Fundamentalism (IFT). I still strongly feel to support peace support PGPM.

I, S Kalpna Sharma, am a freelance journalist who frequently write on various issues relating human values. My impetus of debate has been always focused on current issues which affect human beings life and social behavior. As always try to bring out discussions on human values, my readers support base become large.

Death of democracy? Ban the burka

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has previously admitted the burqa makes him uncomfortable, Jack Straw caused a media ruckus in 2006 by asking Muslim women to remove veils covering their faces during face-to-face meetings, while the (supposedly non-racist) UKIP have called for a complete ban. But what is a burqa?

Burqas are an enveloping outer garment worn by women in some Islamic traditions for the purpose of hiding a female's body when out in public. It is worn over the usual daily clothing and removed when the woman returns to the sanctuary of the household, out of the view of men that are not their husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, sons and grandsons. The headscarf is NOT a sign of Islamic fundamentalism, but a peaceful sign of religion and family life.

The banning of (or suggestion of banning) of burqas has already begun. For example, French public schools have had a ban since 2004 as the result of a law that prohibits students to wear any clearly visible religious symbols. This was followed on 22 June 2009, when the president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy said that burqas are "not welcome" in France, commenting that "In our country, we cannot accept that women be prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity".

On 26 January 2010, the commission reported that access to public services and public transport should be barred to those wearing the burqa. The Netherlands seek to propose a country-wide ban as well. On 29 April 2010, the lower house of parliament in Belgium passed a bill banning any clothing that would obscure the identity of the wearer in places like parks and in the street.

However, dressing modestly should not be a crime simply because she chooses to adhere to her Islamic beliefs. Any proposed ban should be cause for concern among all who support and cherish the concept of freedom, regardless of creed or nationality, as part of a democracy. The President of the United States, Barack Obama, offered a good summary when he said it is "important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit, for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear".

Despite the blow to "freedom of choice" that any potential ban may be across the various countries in Europe, at least in it has travelled through the democratic process and was widely debated in European society. However, both France and Belgium appear to have carried out a knee-jerk reaction to the current fear of Islam. In conclusion, burqas may seem diverse and "difficult to understand" to non-Muslims, but with a simple education about the reasons why headwear is worn by followers of Islam and a reminder of the basic principles of why democracy has put the Great in Britain, then we can perhaps avoid following the mistakes of our European friends.

Andrew Parker is a freelance journalist who has written many articles on Islamic fashion, abayas and hijabs.

Understanding Islam and Democracy

Islam, a true religion of peace and humanity, unfortunately is now being considered a root cause behind undemocratic practices prevailing in Islamic states. The major reason behind such misconception is misunderstanding and absolutely wrong analysis of Islamic political values. While discussing the topic of Islam and democracy people often take extreme positions; some present Islamic political system as an antithesis of democracy, while others emphasize that both Islam and democracy are two different terms implying same thing as John Esposito and John Voll argued in their recent book 'Islam and Democracy' that both are compatible with each other. But the real picture is different from both viewpoints. Therefore before taking sides of either group one must have complete understanding of some important concepts regarding the place of democracy in Islam.

The Concept of Sovereignty in Islam

The basis of Islamic political system is an absolute belief in the sovereignty of Allah, the real law giver. No one, even a prophet can order others in his own right. The Prophet himself is subjected to Allah's commands. As Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "I do not follow anything except what is revealed to me". For man Islam uses the term "Vicegerency" (Khilafat) instead of "sovereignty". Anyone selected as vicegerent uses the power as the trust from Allah and is answerable before Him for every action he takes under these powers.

Decision Making Process in Islamic Polity

In Islam 'Shura' is the only decision making and implementing body. The role of Shura is often compared with the role of parliament in modern democracy but the main deference between two is the concept of real law giver. In Islam only Allah Almighty is the real law giver to Whom the authority of legislation vests. Man has no authority to modify the prescribed limits and cannot resort to independent legislation. He has to take all decision within the prescribed framework according to rules of Allah not by the choice of people. Such limitations are placed just to prevent exploitation of man in the name of majority vote and to evolve a well balanced system of social justice under which political powers can be used to eradicate elements causing insecurities and uncertainties among people.

Principle of Equality in Islam

Islam presents an egalitarian social structure according to which all human beings are equal before Allah; no one is superior to another on the account of his social status, family background, caste or profession. The only criterion of superiority is personal aptitude and noble character. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) asserted this reality on many occasions. Some of those assertions are given here:

"No one is superior to another except in point of faith and piety. All men are descended from Adam and Adam was made of clay."

On another occasion of addressing people after the conquest of Makkah, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

"O people of Quraysh! Allah has rooted out your haughtiness of the days of ignorance and the pride of ancestry. O men, all of you are descended from Adam and Adam was made of clay. There is no pride whatever in ancestry; there is no merit in an Arab as against a non-Arab nor in a non-Arab against an Arab. Verily the most meritorious among you in the eyes of Allah is he who is the most pious."

Not only in the social matters Islam also gives equal rights to all believers even in case of ruling over an Islamic state. The whole Muslim community has given equal sharing in Islamic State with no supremacy of a particular class.

As according to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), "Every one of you is a ruler and everyone is answerable for his subjects."

If you just have a look over Islamic History, you'll come to know that at many occasions people from lower social status even slaves were being appointed at higher positions and nobles did not feel embarrassed to serve under them.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "Listen and obey even if a negro is appointed as a ruler over you."

The Concept of Expression of Freedom in Islam

As far as the concept of freedom of expression is concerned Islam put some limits and restrictions in order to safeguard the personal dignity and self respect. Everyone enjoys the freedom of expression but within a prescribed framework of limitations and is not allowed to go beyond a limit where his freedom becomes the exploitation of other person's freedom. The purpose behind placing certain checks and balances is securing human freedom rather than depriving him of any of his just rights.

The Concept of Fatalism in Islam

Some people also criticize Islam for being the fatalistic religion again limiting the area of activities and struggle in every sphere of life. Critics say that Islam preaches that everything has been decided before and now nothing can be done to undo the decisions of Allah. This is again a one-sided view, not the whole picture. Let's examine it in the light of the Quranic injunctions:

And not an atom's weight in the earth or in the sky escapes your Lord, nor what is less than that or greater than that, but it is (written) in a clear Book. (Yunus 10:61)

To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth. He enlarges the provisions for whomsoever He pleases and straitens it for whomsoever He pleases. Surely He knows all things full well. (Ash-Shura 42:12)

Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because on the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness. (As-Shura 42:30)

If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, and have faith, they will enter Heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them. (An-Nisaa' 4:124)

It is the truth from your Lord; wherefore let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve. (Al-Kahf 18:29)

It's true that first two Quranic verses prove the power of Almighty Allah over each and everything of this universe. But the remaining three verses given below clearly proves that every misfortune happen to man is an outcome of his wrong deeds not because of a pre-written decision by Allah. He blessed everyone whether male or female on the basis of his/her intentions and deeds not on the basis of their gender.

Having right or wrong viewpoints regarding the decisions of Almighty is contingent upon your discerning ability as there is nothing wrong with Almighty laws and decisions. So what is needed a fact based, systematic study of Islamic political system under the light of Quranic references to develop its true image in your mind and to put an end to all such misconceptions and extreme views about a peaceful religion forever.

If you are keen to learn more about Islamic noble values and teachings visit http://www.helium.com/users/492229/ today to get valuable information on this subject.